Blog posts tagged with '37 inch tires'

Upgrading to 33s, 35s, or 37s can completely change how your truck looks and performs—but the tires are only half the equation. The wrong wheel size, width, or offset can cause rubbing, poor handling, and premature wear. The right setup, on the other hand, gives you clean fitment, better performance, and a dialed-in stance.

This guide breaks down real-world wheel and tire combos that work for most popular off-road trucks and SUVs, so you can spend less time guessing and more time driving.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The best wheel diameters for 33", 35", and 37" tires.

• Recommended wheel widths and offsets/backspacing for clean fitment.

• How to choose between 17", 18", and 20" wheels for your build.

• Practical combos that balance performance, comfort, and stance.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what wheel size to pair with your tire upgrade.

Why Wheel Size Matters

Wheel size isn’t just about looks—it directly affects:

• Sidewall height: More sidewall = better flex, comfort, and off-road grip.

• Fitment and rubbing: The wrong offset or width can cause rubbing on fenders or control arms.

• Strength and durability: Smaller-diameter off-road wheels are usually stronger and better protected by the tire.

That’s why most serious off-road builds favor 17" or 18" wheels with larger tires, instead of big 20s+ with thin sidewalls.

Best Wheel Size for 33" Tires

Common size: 285/70R17, 285/75R16, 275/70R18 (roughly 33" tall)

33s are a perfect “step up” from stock for daily drivers that still see trail time.

Recommended wheel diameters:

• 17" – ideal for off-road and mixed-use.

• 18" – good for trucks with larger brakes or more street-focused builds.

Recommended wheel widths:

• 8.5" to 9" wide

Recommended offset / backspacing (general guidelines):

• Offset: +0mm to +18mm for mild poke and good clearance on most trucks.

• Backspacing: around 4.5"–5" for typical 17x9 wheels.

Great all-around 33" combos:

• 33x12.50R17 on a 17x9, 0mm wheel

• 285/70R17 on a 17x8.5, +10mm wheel

This gives you a slightly wider stance without going crazy, and generally works with a leveling kit or mild lift on many platforms.

Best Wheel Size for 35" Tires

Common size: 315/70R17, 295/70R18, 35x12.50R17

35s are the sweet spot for many off-road builds—aggressive look, serious capability.

Recommended wheel diameters:

• 17" – best for off-road and airing down.

• 18" – acceptable for mixed-use or newer trucks with big brakes.

Recommended wheel widths:

• 8.5" to 9" (for 12.5" wide tires, 9" is ideal)

Recommended offset / backspacing:

• Offset: typically -12mm to +12mm, depending on truck and fender clearance.

• Backspacing: around 4.5"–4.75" on a 17x9.

Sample 35" combos:

• 35x12.50R17 on 17x9, -12mm (wider stance, more poke, may need trimming on some trucks).

• 315/70R17 on 17x9, 0mm (cleaner, more tucked look; good for mild lifts).

Most trucks will need at least a 2–3" suspension lift or leveling kit and possibly minor trimming or crash bar mods to run 35s comfortably.

Best Wheel Size for 37" Tires

Common size: 37x12.50R17, 37x13.50R17, 37x12.50R18

37s are for serious builds—you’re fully committed at this point.

Recommended wheel diameters:

• 17" – the standard for off-road 37s.

• 18" – possible, but you’ll lose some sidewall.

Recommended wheel widths:

• 9" wide is the most common and practical.

Recommended offset / backspacing:

• Offset: -24mm to 0mm, depending on axle width and fender clearance.

• Backspacing: typically 4.25"–4.75" on a 17x9.

Sample 37" combos:

• 37x12.50R17 on 17x9, -12mm (aggressive stance, likely trimming & full lift).

• 37x12.50R17 on 17x9, 0mm (tucked slightly more, better for narrow trails).

Most rigs on 37s will need:

• 3.5–4"+ lift,

• re-gearing,

• possible fender trimming, and

• reinforced steering / suspension components.

Quick Reference: Wheel & Tire Pairing Guide

Use this as a starting point (always confirm for your specific truck):

These ranges keep you in the “safe zone” for most modern half-ton and midsize trucks, but exact numbers will depend on wheel well size, suspension setup, and whether you want a tucked or poked stance.

How to Choose the Right Wheel Size for Your Build

When in doubt, base your choice on how you actually use your truck:

• Mostly street, some dirt roads:

  • 33s on 17x8.5 or 18x9, mild positive offset.

• Daily driver + real weekend wheeling:

  • 35s on 17x9, 0 to -12mm offset.

• Dedicated off-road / overlanding rig:

  • 37s on 17x9, -12mm (or more aggressive) with proper lift and supporting mods.

And always remember: clearance, alignment, and gearing matter just as much as the tire size itself.

The best wheel size for 33s, 35s, or 37s isn’t one magic number—it’s the combo that fits your truck, your trails, and your style. Start with your desired tire size, then choose a wheel diameter, width, and offset that gives you enough sidewall, clean clearance, and the stance you want.

👉 At our shop, we stock wheels andtires in the most popular 33", 35", and 37" setups, plus lift kits and accessories to match. If you’re not sure what will clear on your specific truck, our team can help you pick a proven combo that works—on the street and on the trail.

If 35s are bold, 37-inch tires are a statement. They’re massive, aggressive, and instantly transform any truck or SUV into a trail-dominating beast. But as impressive as they look, running 37s isn’t just a cosmetic change—it’s a major step up in performance, capability, and cost.

Before you order that new tire and wheel setup, it’s worth understanding how 37-inch tires affect your truck’s power, handling, and daily drivability.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The advantages and drawbacks of upgrading to 37-inch tires.

• How they impact clearance, gearing, suspension, and fuel economy.

• What supporting modifications are needed to run them safely.

• Whether 37s are worth it for your style of driving and off-road goals.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect before making the jump.

1. The Benefits of 37-Inch Tires

The most obvious advantage of 37s is capability. Larger tires increase ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and traction—all crucial for serious off-road performance.

• Ground Clearance: 37s can add nearly two inches of extra clearance over 35s, helping you clear rocks, ruts, and obstacles more easily.

• Traction: The larger contact patch provides better grip on dirt, sand, and loose terrain.

• Aesthetics: 37s give trucks and SUVs a commanding stance that turns heads on and off the trail.

• Durability: Most 37-inch tires are built with reinforced sidewalls and aggressive tread patterns designed for heavy-duty use.

For off-roaders tackling rocky terrain, mud, or deep sand, 37s are hard to beat.

2. The Downsides of 37-Inch Tires

The jump from 35s to 37s might seem small on paper, but it comes with real trade-offs—especially if you drive your truck daily.

• Reduced Fuel Economy: Larger, heavier tires require more power to turn, cutting MPG significantly.

• Slower Acceleration: Unless you re-gear, your truck will feel more sluggish off the line and under load.

• Increased Wear: Steering, suspension, and braking components all take on more stress.

• Higher Costs: 37-inch tires are more expensive to buy, mount, and balance—and replacement prices add up.

Pro Tip: If you plan to daily drive your truck, the added weight and rolling resistance may outweigh the benefits of going that big.

3. Supporting Mods You’ll Need for 37s

Running 37s safely isn’t as simple as bolting them on. You’ll need supporting upgrades to handle the size and weight properly.

• Lift Kit: Minimum of 3–4 inches (5–6 recommended) for proper clearance.

• Re-Gearing: Common ratios are 4.56 or 4.88, depending on drivetrain and tire weight.

• Trimming / Fender Mods: Larger tires can rub at full lock or under flex—especially on IFS setups.

• Upgraded Steering Components: Tie rods, ball joints, and control arms often need reinforcement.

• Brakes: Consider upgraded rotors and pads for better stopping power.

If you skip these supporting mods, expect rubbing, sluggish throttle response, and premature wear on drivetrain components.

4. How 37s Affect Ride Quality

Larger tires change how your truck feels on the road.

• Ride Comfort: The extra sidewall cushions bumps, improving comfort at low speeds.

• Handling: Body roll increases and steering response slows—especially on lifted trucks.

• Noise: Aggressive tread patterns hum louder at highway speeds.

37s aren’t unbearable for daily use, but you’ll definitely feel the difference if you’re used to stock tires or smaller all-terrains.

5. Are 37s Right for You?

Ask yourself how you actually use your truck:

If your truck spends most of its time off-road or you’re building a show-stopping rig, 37s make sense. For mixed-use vehicles, 35s often provide a better all-around experience.

37-inch tires deliver unbeatable off-road performance and jaw-dropping looks, but they also demand proper setup and commitment. If you’re ready to invest in gears, suspension, and supporting components, 37s can take your build to the next level.

👉 At our shop, we stock 37-inch all-terrain and mud-terrain tires from top brands like Nitto, Toyo, BFGoodrich, and Mickey Thompson—along with lift kits, re-gearing components, and wheel packages to match. Let us help you build a truck that’s as capable as it looks.